Help with Using API

Hey.

I'm trying to sync our internal user list with the contacts in Zoho. Trying to use your API to do this. Unfortunately, I don't think the documentation your supplied is enough.

I'll ask a few things that has confused me so far - can you clear them up. If its documented somewhere a URL to that page is enough.

1. Authtoken
When creating Authtoken, I have to specify the scope( https://support.makeadiff.in/support/makeadifference/SetupPageLayout.do). Can I see a list of all the possible scope so that I can pick and choose?

2. Parameters
https://www.zoho.com/support/help/add-records.html
What are these things 'portal' and 'department' in request parameters?

This is an account I use...
https://support.makeadiff.in/support/makeadifference/ShowHomePage.do#Contacts

portal is support
and
department is makeadifference ?

Where can I find some documentation on what these are supposed to mean?

3. Sample Code
Is there anyway I can see some sample code on how to access these APIs?